What are the symptoms of thyroiditis?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Subacute thyroiditis is commonly referred to, and it is frequently seen clinically with symptoms such as fever, pain in the neck, and mild hyperthyroidism symptoms in the early stages, such as palpitations, insomnia, weight loss, irritability, and increased frequency of bowel movements. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is important to promptly visit an endocrinology specialist to see if you are suffering from subacute thyroiditis. Diagnosis can be confirmed through blood tests, thyroid function tests, thyroid ultrasound, routine blood tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate tests.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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Where is the best place to perform moxibustion for thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is relatively common in clinical practice, but we have not yet found that moxibustion directly helps with thyroiditis, so we do not recommend using moxibustion for treatment. Especially for types of thyroiditis that may cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, such as the acute phase of subacute thyroiditis. If moxibustion is applied directly near the thyroid region, it could potentially cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, exacerbating existing symptoms and hindering recovery. When we suffer from thyroiditis, we should choose appropriate treatment plans according to different types. For autoimmune thyroiditis, we can use treatments that regulate immunity, provide symptomatic relief, and supplement or replace hormone levels. Some painless thyroiditis may only require regular follow-ups. For cases of thyroiditis that also involve thyroid enlargement, treatment options like iodine-131 or surgery can be considered depending on the functional status.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Is thyroiditis contagious?

Thyroiditis, based on its cause, can be classified into subtypes such as subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis is primarily caused by viral infections leading to the destruction of the thyroid follicular structure, and it is not contagious. Autoimmune thyroiditis primarily involves the presence of autoantibodies within the body, which lead to the destruction of thyroid follicles and consequently to the apoptosis of thyroid cells. This cause is also non-contagious. Therefore, thyroiditis cannot be transmitted, but it does have genetic susceptibility. For patients whose parents have thyroiditis, their children may also have thyroiditis.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Re-examination of thyroiditis includes checking for what?

Thyroiditis includes autoimmune thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis. For patients with subacute thyroiditis, it is recommended to check thyroid function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and complete blood count among others to understand the control of the infection and the status of thyroid function. For autoimmune thyroiditis, it is advised to check thyroid function as well as thyroperoxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies to understand the function of the thyroid and the related antibody status. Additionally, a re-examination of thyroid ultrasound is recommended to assess the condition of the thyroid.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What are the symptoms of thyroiditis?

The symptoms of thyroiditis, if in the early stages, include fever, particularly in the afternoon and evening, with some individuals' temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Secondly, there is neck pain, which is tender to touch. Thirdly, there may be mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations, insomnia, irritability, weight loss, and increased frequency of bowel movements. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and undergo diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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How is thyroiditis treated?

Thyroiditis is primarily divided into acute, subacute, and chronic types, along with some painless and postpartum thyroiditis. If it is acute or subacute thyroiditis, it is a self-limiting disease caused by viral infections, and there is no need to use drugs that adjust thyroid function. Treatment mainly involves the use of non-steroidal or hormonal medications, as well as drugs that control heart rate. If it is autoimmune thyroiditis, commonly referred to as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it often presents with positive thyroid antibodies. In the early stages, thyroid function may be normal, but typically progresses to reduced thyroid function over time. When thyroid function tests reveal reduced thyroid function, timely supplementation of thyroid hormone levels can control this type of autoimmune thyroiditis within a normal range. Additionally, for painless thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis, particularly the latter, which is often related to the mechanism of postpartum immune changes, it primarily depends on whether thyroid function has changed. If there is no change in thyroid function, treatment is temporarily unnecessary. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)